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Author
Topic: Do you gain weight with meds? (Read 8980 times)

I am 26 years old, I have been always very healthy and active, actually one of the saddest things when I first got diagnosed was that I had to quit boxing...

Anyway... I was diagnosed last August, although I have been completely asymptomatic I started on medication five weeks ago (Atripla). The nurse and even the doctor pointed out that I gained 5 pounds... They actually commented that it if I dont do anything that could be 60 pounds in one year... ugh that was scary... I have to say that I am hungry all the time as I keep a very active lifestyle (bike both ways to work, crossfit 5X per week) so I though it was pretty normal to be hungry...

I just wanted to ask if any of you guys had any problems with weight gain after the medication started?

Absolutely! I gained about 20 pounds the first 6 months after I started Atripla. Luckily it plateaued after that and I havent gained any more. However I weigh more now than I ever have. I guess the bright side is it could be worse. Instaed of gaining weight we could be losing weight and waisting.

My weight held steady (or declined) for 3 years. I only recently gained a few pounds after quitting smoking. So for me, meds didnt cause weight increase, however it must be noted that I'm not on Atripla and only took it for 4months years ago.

I just wanted to ask if any of you guys had any problems with weight gain after the medication started?

I would love to hear of your experiences.

Oh yes, After starting on meds, I gained as much as 40 pounds, the first year. But I really needed some of that weight back. At 5 feet 7 inches , I was as much as 180 pounds, I am now at about 169. And it's mostly in the gut. ( which is another issue all-together.

The meds mess up with the mitochondria (cell parts that burn fat). That's why betaoxidation (burning) of fatty acid gets pokey. Instead of being burned, the fat is stored.

Calories are only one part of it.Let's say, 90 minutes of jogging can burn 1000 calories in a healthy person,but only 600 calories with people on meds (this is just an illustration).

I gained 40 pounds in a year, and it took 2 years to get me back (by jogging every day for like 90 minutes, and by restricting carb intake). I still go jogging, but not every day, 4-5 times a week for 90min. And I've started reintroducing carb (rice but not sweets). It's not just fat, it's all the fat was in my belly, it was gross.

Now, I have to jog and work out like crazy just to maintain my weight at 150 pounds. I'm 5' 10.1".It is very difficult (psychologically).

When I get hungry, I get 4-5 whites (of an egg; boiled) and a can of tuna,and a glass of tomato juice. I avoid bread (empty carbs that can be made into fat by our liver).

Eat a lot of protein and some healthy fat (like olive oil or nuts) that can help your organism absorb it.Carbs only after a workout (to not lose your muscle).

While I've always been on the thin side, my thighs and backside have gained weight (making them normal-looking). However, this gain must have come from somewhere else as I'm still the weight I was before the changes happened.

Some people think they gained weight when, in fact, they simply regained weight lost during several years of undiagnosed HIV infection. Not saying that's what's going on with the OP, but it's something for people to keep in mind with this issue.

Most defiantly iv been on Atripla about ten months now and have gained about 20 pounds my self all around the gut area, but only when i backed off from the gym and running due too work pressures, normally about this time of year i would put on a couple of pounds but not at this rate its pretty scary will have a word with the doc next time im at the clinic i suppose the only answer is to start working out more or change meds but as there doing a good job keeping the HIV under controle this probably isn't an option.

In response to your query, I had weighed 180lbs, pretty consistently, for about three years prior to beginning Atripla. After Atripla I still weighed 180lbs up to a year later. I have gained up to 190lbs lately but I have also been drinking protein drinks and eating more food (only the good stuff) because I'm working with my trainer to put on more muscle. Which is something my doc always wants me to do.

With HIV infection, and the treatments for it, I think there's almost nothing that can't happen to at least one person or another that doesn't happen to anyone else. But in your case, you mentioned you had to stop boxing and from what I've seen of people who do boxing, it burns a lot of calories. So, unless you switched to something else as effective at burning calories, that might be the reason for the 5lb gain.

Plus there's also option given by Miss Philicia which could also explain your recent weight gain.

As to being hungry...you seemed to have a VERY active life style...so being only 26 (yes...I can say it that way...I'm 52) and active I would only be worried if you weren't hungry all the time.

In any case, just keep an eye on it. If you do add 5lbs a month over four months then talk with your doctor again about it. But, if not, then think about what can replace boxing.

I definitely gained weight on atripla but there were times I wasn't eating healthy too.For myself at least, I can't completely blame any side effects although i am sure it had a role with my unhealthy eating. I do notice that now that i am active and I try to stay healthy but still struggle to maintain a healthy weight regardless of my healthier lifestyle.

OH yeah I gained weight like it was My Job. I'm On truvada An IS so granted its not the same meds, I sure did. I think alot of it has to do with whats going on but once my body and the meds started working together i leveled out a bit. Did however start a Whole foods plant based diet. I was in the same boat as You with my training 5-6 days a week. talk with your doc about seeing someone for your diet that helps more than you know. Ive got more energy an feel great. GOOD LUCK GUY!

i've been on atripla for going on my 6th month now but my weight is still the same as 124 lbs @ 5foot 3 but noticed i seen others i know on atripla look like they're 9 monthes pregnant with twins ,,,,lol to me as well as 2 of my friends that been on atripla alot longer than i have said its the matter what you eat and how much

What miss philicia said...i had rapid weight loss prior to meds..lost 20 lbs in 2 months, and i was eating all the time...the weight just kept going down. After 6 months on atripla, im back to my normal weight and its stayed there...dont really exercise or eat mega healthy...but feeling great and back to normal...

Some people think they gained weight when, in fact, they simply regained weight lost during several years of undiagnosed HIV infection. Not saying that's what's going on with the OP, but it's something for people to keep in mind with this issue.

Some people think they gained weight when, in fact, they simply regained weight lost during several years of undiagnosed HIV infection. Not saying that's what's going on with the OP, but it's something for people to keep in mind with this issue.

(I remember you said you were on a Prezista regimen) I am starting the Norvir/Prezista/Truvada combo in the next 1-2 weeks. (Twice a day)

I have stayed relatively steady weight with my four years of HIV. (At least I think so. I have lost muscle) What makes the person gain the weight? Is it the increased appetite? Metabolism slow down? Ahh combination of both. Maybe.